I'd wonder why on a fretted. I mean, the string path is from the metal fret on, right? And the vibrations/tones from the board would be rather minimally affected by inlays. They'd have to be a SIGNIFICANT amount of inlay (and really deep) befor I think it would compromise the sound of the wood.

Originally posted by Brendan I'd wonder why on a fretted. I mean, the string path is from the metal fret on, right?....

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"For correctly answering that quesiton, Brandon receives an all-expenses trip for two to the Dolly Parton Museum of Orthopedic Back Support!!!!"

Of course, frets wear down over time and they begin to contact the wood if the instrument isn't refretted.

Using Alembic as a reference, they say, "no", that inlays don't affect tone.

"Guitar Magazine" has an article that says "yes" they do.

What I don't know is if;

- "Guitar Magazine" is referring only to guitars and Alembic is referring only to basses
- If they are talking about an aurally perceptible difference or a difference that only is apparent on testing equipment in a lab

Either way, I go with what I know, personally. I had an ebony board with MOP block inlays that were so big there was more shell than wood as far as surface area goes (but the wood was much thicker).
Yet, it still displayed the tonal characteristics of ebony that distinguish it from rosewood and maple. I imagine that was because the MOP is actually "tone dead" - it doesn't resonate much at all. Obviously, the ebony was still coming through loud and clear.